An Elkton man, Mark Rice, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. This sentencing comes after an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"This sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who exploit and abuse children will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable," stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. He emphasized the agency's commitment to targeting individuals involved in such crimes.
Rice pleaded guilty to charges of producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The charges arose from his actions involving two minors under his care, whom he abused while using social media platforms to distribute and solicit abusive content.
The plea agreement detailed how Rice used his authority to abuse a minor from when she was less than three years old, creating photographic evidence of the abuse. He also exploited another minor through covert photography. Rice was active in online communities dedicated to trading such material, using platforms like Reddit, Telegram, and Kik.
In April 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from Reddit about the transmission of child sexual abuse material linked to Rice's residence in Elkton. Despite initially denying accusations during a Maryland State Police interview, Rice was found deleting photos from his phone where investigators discovered incriminating images.
Further investigation by HSI Baltimore special agents uncovered over 600 images across Rice’s devices. Authorities noted that he engaged with others on public Reddit communities to trade such material using encrypted messaging platforms.
McCarthy announced the indictment alongside U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes and Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland L. Butler Jr.
The public is encouraged to report criminal activity by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423). More information about HSI Baltimore’s efforts can be found on their social media platform X at @HSIBaltimore.
